Increasing Diabetes Risk in Hospitalized Patients with Depression Emphasizes Need for Integrated Care

A comprehensive study published in Health Data Science by researchers at Peking University highlights a concerning rise in the prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) among inpatients suffering from depression in Beijing, spanning from 2005 to 2018. Analyzing data from nearly 21,000 psychiatric inpatient records across 19 hospitals, this research offers the first detailed assessment of metabolic comorbidities within this population in China.

The study reveals that approximately 9.13% of patients hospitalized for depression also had T2DM, with rates increasing significantly over the 13-year period. Notably, patients with additional health conditions such as hypertension, hyperlipidemia, or nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) exhibited a markedly higher likelihood of developing diabetes.

Demographic patterns demonstrated that age, repeated hospital stays, and socioeconomic factors, including employment and insurance status, played roles in elevating diabetes risk. A sex-age crossover was observed: males under 60 showed higher diabetes prevalence, while females over 60 surpassed them, possibly due to hormonal and postmenopausal changes.

Lead researcher Min Liu emphasized the importance of integrated healthcare management: "This study underscores the critical need for comprehensive screening and intervention strategies that address both mental health and metabolic risks within psychiatric populations." The authors advocate for targeted monitoring of patients with metabolic comorbidities, especially among older adults and those with limited access to holistic care.

Looking ahead, the research team plans to include longitudinal follow-ups and additional health indicators such as body mass index and medication history. These efforts aim to clarify causal relationships and inform clinical guidelines. Ultimately, integrating psychiatric and physical healthcare services can enhance outcomes and reduce the burden of comorbidities in vulnerable patients.

For more details, see the original study: Prevalence and Risk Factors of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus among Depression Inpatients from 2005 to 2018 in Beijing, China, Health Data Science (2025). DOI: 10.34133/hds.0111.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-04-diabetes-inpatients-depression.html